This photograph shows the national flag of Algeria flying at the Algerian Embassy in Paris on May 14, 2025. KIRAN RIDLEY, KIRAN RIDLEY / AFP
Algeria pushed back against President Emmanuel Macron's call for Paris to get tougher with its former colony on Thursday, August 7, saying France was seeking to "exonerate" itself from any blame as their standoff drags on. Tensions between Paris and Algiers have reached new levels in recent months, with Macron's hopes of the historic post-colonial reconciliation that he espoused at the start of his presidency now appearing a distant dream.
"France must be strong and command respect," Macron said, in a letter to Prime Minister Francois Bayrou that was published by the daily newspaper Le Figaro online late on Wednesday. "It can only obtain this from its partners if it itself shows them the respect it demands. This basic rule also applies to Algeria," the letter said.
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Macron hardens his approach toward Algeria
